Chief v Wits - goals galore needed

A lot of the business that Kaizer Chiefs and Bidvest Wits did in this transfer window was to improve on how they finished last season.

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A lot of the business that Kaizer Chiefs and Bidvest Wits did in this transfer window was to improve on how they finished last season.

Amakhosi dragged their lifeless bodies to the finish line after relinquishing their league title without much of a fight. The Clever Boys limped to the finish after injuries to James Keene and Phakamani Mahlambi limited their attacking options. Both clubs scored just eight goals in their last 10 matches. The champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, on the other hand scored 20 goals in the same period. That’s what set the Brazilians apart from the two, motivating them to strengthen their attack for the season that starts tonight. That strength will be put to the test at Bidvest Stadium when Wits host Amakhosi in an appetising encounter that should make up for the long wait for the 2016/17 season to start.

Gavin Hunt must have been among those eager to get the campaign started, especially with the potent attack he has at his disposal not firing as much as he wanted to in pre-season. But pre-season is about finding combinations, tonight and going forward is about results. The advantage that Wits have with the strikers at their disposal is the variety they offer. The lanky Eleazor Rogers can be used as a route one option when they struggle to break down their opponents. Gabadinho Mhango offers them pace while Cuthbert Malajila is industrious.

“I have Keene and Phakamani to come. It’s the best attack I have had since I’ve been here. But I need to turn that into goals. We haven’t scored much in pre-season. It’s a bit frustrating but I don’t want to read too much into pre-season,” Hunt said.

Chiefs coach Steve Komphela also has a more formidable attack than he did last season. Lewis Macha showed his good timing and positioning to score in his first Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates in the Carling Black Label Cup. Michelle Katsvairo, Ryan Moon and Emmanuel Letlotlo complete the striking quartet that Chiefs signed. They might not be household names just yet, but Komphela feels that they deserve to don the famous gold and black.

“There is something called induction with us, where people are taken through the understanding of the institution,” Komphela said.

“The minute you understand who you are dealing with, then you know how to deal with them. They know that the kind of supporters they will be dealing with. The environment is unbelievably prestigious and the responsibility is huge as well. Now for introducing them to such, without intimidating them, they understand the responsibilities they have.”

This match will be a good test for these strikers, coming up against two of the best goalkeepers in the country in Itumeleng Khune and Moeneeb Josephs.

The Clever Boys will be harder to break down at the back as they have kept the core of the defence that finished with the second best defensive record last season.

Amakhosi, on the other hand, have to fill the void that will be left by Mulomowandau Mathoho who tore his ankle ligament at the Olympics.

FIXTURES

Tonight

Cape Town City v Polokwane City @ Cape Town Stadium, 7.30pm

Baroka FC v Ajax Cape Town @ Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, 7.30

Chippa United v Free State Stars @ Nelson Mandela Bay, 7.30pm

Tomorrow

Orlando Pirates v Bidvest Wits @ Orlando Stadium, 7.30pm

Platinum Stars v SuperSport United @ Royal Bafokeng, 7.30pm

Bloemfontein Celtic v Maritzburg United @ Dr. Molemela Stadium, 7.30 - The Star